Trilostane

General Description : A short-acting adrenocortical suppressant for oral use in dogs. Trilostane blocks the adrenal gland from making too many steroids. Although steroids are important for various functions of the body, too much can cause problems. Trilostane reduces the amount of steroids produced by the adrenal gland.

What is this drug?

An adrenocortical suppressant
Given by mouth
Reasons for prescribing:

For the treatment of both pituitary-dependent or adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease) in dogs
Trilostane is a treatment but not a cure for this condition
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?

This product is for dogs only
Use with caution in pets with anemia, liver or kidney disease
Do not use in pregnant dogs
Safe use has not been established in nursing dogs or breeding males
If your pet has had an allergic reaction to trilostane or like products before
Directions:

Read and follow the label carefully.

Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed. Give trilostaneonce daily with the morning meal. This will make it easier to perform future blood testing.

Do not open or divide capsules.

Baseline blood work to assess your pet’s health before starting this drug is recommended. Periodic blood work to monitor its effect is also advised if long-term therapy is necessary. Dose adjustments will be made based upon the blood results and an assessment of how your dog is responding clinically.

Expect to see the signs of hyperadrenocorticism (lethargy, increased drinking, eating, or urination) improve within the first 2 weeks of treatment. Skin and hair loss changes may take several months to improve.

Most dogs remain on trilostane for the remainder of their life.

Call ahead for refills.

What if a dose is missed?

If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.

What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?

Talk to your veterinarian about:

When will your pet need to be rechecked
What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
What are the risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell your veterinarian about:

If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
If your pet has experienced anemia, liver or kidney disease now or ever
If your pet has experienced diabetes or any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet’s medicines can be given together.
If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet
Storage and Warnings:

Store in a childproof container at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.

Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets. This medication is potentially harmful to humans. Do not handle this product if you are pregnant or trying to conceive. Wash your hands well after handling.

Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.

Potential side effects:

This medication is usually well tolerated by dogs
Most common effects: lethargy, weakness, loss of appetite in first few days, vomiting and diarrhea
More serious effects: severe depression, hemorrhagic diarrhea, collapse, hypoadrenocortical crises or adrenal necrosis/rupture, death
Rare cases of acute death or hypoadrenocorticism
If you notice anything unusual, stop therapy and contact your veterinarian
Can this drug be given with other drugs?

Yes, but possible interactions may occur with ACE inhibitors and potassium-sparing diuretics (ex. spironolactone).
An interval of at least one month should be observed after stopping the administration of mitotane and starting trilostane. Close monitoring of adrenal function is advised.
If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian.
Overdosing?

Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet eats more than the prescribed amount.

What else should I know?

Notify your veterinarian if your animal’s condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.

As with all prescribed medicines, trilostane should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed.

This is just a summary of information about trilostane. If you have any questions or concerns about trilostane or the condition it was prescribed for, contact your veterinarian.